Illinois Congressmen Krishnamoorthi, Rush, and Davis Request Information About DHS Federal Forces Deployments to Chicago

WASHINTON, DC – Today, Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Bobby Rush (D-IL-01), and Danny Davis (D-IL-07) wrote to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the Trump Administration's announcement to expand "Operation Legend" by deploying hundreds of federal agents, including DHSagents, to the City of Chicago in an effort to combat crime and violence.

"While we are encouraged by your public announcement that you will ‘[work] together across the federal government and with our state and local law enforcement partners,'" the Members wrote, "we understand that executing on this commitment would significantly differ from the Department's recent actions in Portland, Oregon, where unmarked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers purportedly acting on behalf of FPS have threatened and terrorized citizens, including apprehending residents in unmarked vehicles without citations, paperwork, or an explanation for their actions. As Members of the Illinois Congressional delegation with oversight authority and a vested interest in public health and safety in the City of Chicago, we write today requesting your written commitment to not utilize these immoral and illegal tactics in the City of Chicago through Operation Legend."

Yesterday, President Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to deploy about 200 federal troops to Chicago. However, given the department's recent actions in Portland, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Governor J.B. Pritzker have been clear that any federal agents deployed to combat violence must coordinate directly with state and local law enforcement and must conduct its operations peacefully.

The text of the letter can be foundhere.